Our Symphony with Animals: On Health, Empathy, and Our Shared Destinies

In this notable volume, neurologist Akhtar (Animals and Public Health) uses personal childhood trauma to launch a thoughtful discussion of the extent of, and limits to, human empathy toward animals. Empathy, she notes, helps people to lead better lives, since “we now recognize that how we interact with and treat one another... influence[s] our health.” She combines a broader investigation into cases of animal rescue and abuse with personal experience, beginning by recounting being sexually molested at age 5 by a family friend, an ordeal which she credits her grandparents’ dog, Sylvester, with getting her through. She “had never known an animal before,” but bonded instantly with the German shepherd mix, who gave her the courage to eventually stop her tormenter. Later sections deal with animals lost or displaced after natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, in order to suggest how losing pets can be just as devastating as losing humans. Akhtar also explores the living conditions of animals used for food, giving stark and disturbing details of hens jam-packed into cages. She concludes with suggestions on how to make a difference, such as by donating to or volunteering for animal rescue groups. Akhtar’s book draws a sobering but hopeful picture of what has been done and what remains to be done to improve animals’ lives. (May)